Jay Chang: RF Creative Agency’s official creative director
/ RF Creative Agency’s official creative director
by Elizabeth Lavis | 13 Apr 2026
“Stay curious and open-minded. Every moment can inspire something new.”
Jay Chang is RF Creative Agency’s official creative director and unofficial zookeeper, with one crucial piece of advice for aspiring designers: explore new things in life and seek inspiration beyond the design world. “Often, the most unexpected ideas and creative breakthroughs come from experiences and observations outside of design,” he says. “Stay curious and open-minded. Every moment can inspire something new.”
Chang grew up in Taiwan and moved to the United States when he was 15, which gave him the unique experience of living between Eastern and Western cultures. “This dual perspective deeply influenced my design work,” Chang says. “It allows me to shift between different mindsets, drawing from the holistic, community-focused approach of Eastern culture and the more individualistic, expression-driven perspective of Western culture. The blend shapes my creative process and enhances my ability to approach problem-solving in a unique and versatile way.”
As a child, Chang dreamt of being a fighter pilot because he was captivated by fighter jet design and their amazing in-flight performance. “That fascination with precision, speed, and engineering eventually evolved into a passion for design, where I now channel that same excitement into creating impactful visuals and innovative solutions,” he says.
Dieter Rams shaped Chang’s design philosophy and technique more than anything, especially with his principle of ‘less is more.’ “This approach influences not only my design techniques but every aspect of my work,” Chang says. “I believe that by eliminating excess, we allow people to focus on the true message of the design, making it more impactful and meaningful.”
There are clear reflections of Rams' philosophy in Chang’s design process. One key, early piece is stepping into the client's shoes so that Chang can gain empathetic insight into their needs. “Doing this allows me to identify effective solutions,” he says. “From there, I create designs that specifically address those problems, ensuring that my work not only meets expectations but genuinely helps them to succeed.” For Chang, the most important design aspect is that form follows function. “Ensuring that a design effectively serves its purpose is paramount to its success,” Chang says.
When Chang is juggling multiple projects, he manages burnout by remembering that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. “Don’t aim for perfection,” he says. “Focus on getting things done within the set timeframe. Assign specific time blocks to each project and stick to them strictly.” For Chang, this approach keeps him on track and helps maintain his energy.
When it comes to staying creative, it’s a bit trickier. “Staying creative under pressure is tough because you can’t force it. Creativity comes and goes. For me, it’s best to engage in activities that stimulate and bring joy,” he says. “When I feel overwhelmed, I step away and do something I enjoy until I feel recharged. I return to the task with a fresh mind and hope creativity will flow naturally again.”
Chang has won multiple Indigo Design Awards, and they continue to be a point of pride and motivation for him to achieve more. “Winning a second award is an incredible honor, and I’m truly grateful for the recognition,” he says. “It affirms my dedication to my craft and motivates me to keep pushing my creative boundaries.”
"Unagii Brand Refresh", Jay Chang